Caleb Cali's position change has 'been big,' for Arkansas, Dave Van Horn says

Baseball is a long season, allowing coaches the opportunity to experiment with a few things. Once they begin to click, things stick and the results really begin to show. For Arkansas‘ Dave Van Horn, one of those was moving Caleb Cali to third base. Cali has since thrived for the Hogs, both in the field and with his bat.

Van Horn discussed how big the move to third base for Cali has big, complimenting different aspects of his game. “Comfortable” was a word used multiple times by the skipper when describing Cali’s ability on third base.

“It’s been big for him to go out there and really get comfortable,” Van Horn said. “Not just playing there and hitting, being a force in the lineup. But he’s playing good defense. I feel like his range has increased a step or so just by playing himself into shape and being comfortable. When he’s gotten to the ball, he’s made most of the plays.”

Cali was brought in through the NCAA transfer portal, playing his first season of Division I college baseball. His fielding percentage is just a few ticks below 95%, sitting at 94.7%. Just five errors are currently on the stat sheet, having 23 putouts and 66 assists.

The bat has arguably been better for Cali. He is hitting above .300 and his OPS currently sits at 0.971. Cali has had good discipline as well, striking out 30 times compared to his 24 walks. Eight home runs show the type of power he has, making the third basemen a real quality hitter.

Cali will have plenty of opportunities to come up big for Arkansas in the near future. Van Horn will be hoping he continues to deliver from third base and in the batter’s box.

Arkansas pushing for SEC West title

Arkansas has played like one of the best teams in the country this season, currently battling for an SEC West title. LSU is the main competition, with the two only being separated due to the Tigers having a game being rained out against South Carolina.

Speaking of the Gamecocks, Arkansas will be heading out east to face off against them for a weekend series beginning on Friday. The next opponent does not get any easier, with SEC East-leading Vanderbilt hosting Van Horn’s team.

Nothing will be easy if Arkansas is going to win the West. Facing off against two of the conferences best teams to close out the season will be a big test heading into postseason play.